This first of two volumes on ancient Galilee provides general surveys of modern studies of Galilee and of Galilean history followed by specialized studies on taxation, ethnicity, religious practices, road system, trade and markets, education, health, village life, houses, and the urban-rural divide. The volume draws on the expertise of archaeologists, historians, biblical scholars, and social-science interpreters; Christians, Jews, and secular scholars; North Americans, Europeans, and Israelis; and those who have devoted a significant amount of time and energy in this research, especially those who have excavated in Galilee for many years. A key goal of this volume and its companion volume devoted to the archaeological record of towns and villages is to make this information easily accessible to New Testament scholars and Mishnah scholars not familiar with these materials while also usable to the average interested reader. This book includes several images, figures, charts, and maps.

In this two-volume set, David A. Fiensey and James Riley Strange have invited an international cast of experts to provide a comprehensive analysis of past and current research on Galilee and up-to-date commentary regarding ongoing site excavations. The articles are filled with supporting photographs, maps, and diagrams to help both experts and nonexperts visualize this important period in the history of Galilee and make it come to life. Each volume contains extensive bibliographies at the end of chapters for further study and reading.The two volumes consolidate a great deal of information that has been brought to light in various journals, field reports, and essays over the past thirty years. The editors have intentionally invited the voices of Christian and Jewish archaeologists, historians, biblical scholars, and social-science interpreters to present their varied findings and opinions. The resulting wealth of information in one single source provides rich opportunities for conversation and for further research by students and scholars of all levels.